A Philadelphia driver who fled a traffic stop crashed into a SEPTA bus overnight, injuring the bus driver and prompting a police arrest.
Incident Begins at 11:43 p.m.
At about 11:43 p.m. on Tuesday, Pennsylvania State Police troopers stopped a black Chevrolet Impala near the intersection of North 33rd and Spring Garden Streets. The driver, identified as Marcus Stewart, was allegedly driving erratically before the stop. Troopers pursued him as he fled the scene.
Pursuit and Wrong‑Way Driving
During the chase, Stewart reportedly drove down Spring Garden Street to the Ben Franklin Parkway, then southbound on 19th Street, eastbound on JFK Boulevard, and finally south on 11th Street in the wrong direction. Police broke off the pursuit at the intersection of 11th and Filbert Streets.
Crash at 1 a.m.
Shortly after the pursuit ended, Stewart attempted to pass two vehicles that were stopped at a red light on 11th and Market Streets. One of those vehicles was a Route 45 SEPTA bus. The crash occurred at about 1 a.m., when Stewart’s Impala struck the bus and the driver inside. The bus driver sustained non‑life‑threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital.
The bus suffered damage, and Stewart’s Impala incurred major front‑end damage. Both vehicles came to a stop after the collision.
Arrest and Charges
Police arrested Stewart at the scene without further incident. Officials said he faces charges of DUI, drug possession, and a variety of traffic offenses related to the crash. Additionally, authorities discovered that Stewart is wanted on at least six active warrants from several counties.
Ongoing Investigation
Pennsylvania State Police are continuing to investigate the incident. No additional information has been released at this time.
Key Takeaways
- A Philadelphia driver fled a traffic stop, crashed into a SEPTA bus, and injured the bus driver.
- Police arrested the driver, who faces DUI, drug possession, and other traffic charges.
- The suspect is also wanted on six active warrants from multiple counties.
The incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of swift law‑enforcement response in urban traffic incidents.
